One injured, multiple vehicles destroyed by rainstorm
One person has reportedly been injured and rushed to the hospital after a massive tree fell on a motorbike and a vehicle during a rainstorm that preceded yesterday’s heavy downpour. Additionally, in the vicinity of the Kotoka International Airport, approximately six vehicles suffered damage due to fallen trees. Vehicles parked around the Landing Restaurant incurred damage when trees collapsed onto them.
The unfortunate event occurred as the motorbike rider, attempting to evade the falling tree, crossed paths with the descending trunk, while a military man who was also caught in the chaos around Cantonments, Accra escaped unhurt.
According to reports, the driver of the vehicle, who happened to be a military personnel, miraculously emerged safe and in good condition.
However, the motorbike rider was not as fortunate, as the tree fell on the lower limb of his body, prompting an urgent rush to the police hospital in Osu for medical attention.
The torrential downpour brought widespread flooding to Kaneshie, Circle, Adabraka, and parts of the capital city, Accra. The heavy rain left numerous corporate workers, traders, students, and motorists stranded and soaked as they tried to navigate the waterlogged streets.
In areas such as Pokuase, Achimota, Odawna, Tesano, and Alajo, motorists were forced to pull over to escape the relentless rain, leading to severe traffic jams.
As a result, many commuters had no choice but to abandon their vehicles and continue their journeys on foot, further slowing the start of the second week in May.
Unfortunately, flooding in Accra has become all too common, even with just a slight drizzle.
Contributing to the problem is the improper disposal of garbage.
Some residents take advantage of the floodwaters to dump their trash, exacerbating the drainage issues.
Addressing the media, Dr. Daniel Kingsford Adams, Director of the Department of Parks and Gardens, has advised Ghanaians to prune their trees in time to prevent accidents, particularly during the rainy season.
“We are in the rainy season and this time we’ve been told that it will come with a great storm. If you have trees in your area, try and prune them. I advise that you come to Parks and Gardens for us to do a professional pruning for you to save lives and property.”
Dr Adams indicated that the military officer’s car intended to negotiate a curve, but the motorbike rider behind him attempted to overtake.
During that moment, the tree fell on the officer’s vehicle and trapped the rider under it with his motorcycle.
Dr Adams said due to the severity of the motorcycle rider’s injury, the Department had to quickly cut the tree into smaller pieces to enable it to be lifted.
He praised his team, including members of the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Army, and the Police, for working together to tackle the issue.
He advised homeowners and estate developers building along key city and town roadways to contact the Department for professional assistance when they wanted to build a fence wall or excavate a drainage system.
